Mission Statement
In search of educational solutions in the era of artificial intelligence
There are already many organizations dedicated to STEM education. Why launch another one? Because we believe that a significant part of education would need to be revamped for future generations to adapt to the serious challenges posed by widespread use of AI and embrace the great opportunities brought by it. Our mission is to conduct cutting-edge research and development that focus on reimagining the relationship between human and machine and getting ready for its profound impacts on society.
A defining feature of IFI's work is that we do not just explore what AI can do. On the contrary, we place more emphasis on what AI cannot do. Of course, in order to know what AI cannot do, we must first develop an accurate understanding of what AI can do. Most AI techniques that we know today are based on machine learning from existing data. Sometimes they may not render explainable results critically needed in scientific inquiry. As such, it is unlikely that AI will supersede people at the STEM frontiers to the unknown in the foreseeable future, especially in the vast material world made of atoms and molecules where high-quality scientific data still remain scarce due to high acquisition costs. Our education systems must prepare students to take those frontier positions (that will very possibly be assisted by AI to boost productivity).
